18th Ascent Cup begins, drawing teams and fans alike

The 18th edition of the Ascent Cup commenced with a thrilling display of football on opening day, featuring seven highly competitive fixtures that signalled a promising tournament ahead.

The day began with a spirited match between GoldKinen and Zerocium. Both teams lined up for the national anthem, then delivered a performance reminiscent of top-tier league football. They displayed equal grit and skill. The match ended 1-1. Early signs suggest both teams are contenders for silverware.

The second fixture saw a dominant iFarmer side dismantle Community Bank with a 5-0 victory. Munna netted four goals in a stunning individual performance, becoming the tournament's current top scorer.

North End's comeback may become one of the most dramatic in Ascent Cup history. They overturned a 2-0 deficit and defeated their opponents 5-3. The crowd admired their resilience and attacking prowess.

Ontik Technology delivered a commanding 6-0 win against tournament newcomers MarkoPolo.ai. Shaon's agility and control proved too much for the debutants. MarkoPolo.ai struggled to contain the swift offensive onslaught.

Veteran teams Incepta Pharmaceuticals and Aarong Dairy battled to a 2-2 draw in a game that showcased experience and tactical discipline from both sides.

Swisscontact overcame spirited resistance from newcomers Youngship Bangladesh to claim a 3-1 victory. Despite the loss, Youngship showed determination. The experience gained will likely serve them well in future matches.

The final match of the day saw the hosts, Ascent, overpower Max Secure. While the scoreline reflected a lopsided affair, Max Secure displayed flashes of promise, suggesting potential improvement as the tournament progresses.

As the Ascent Cup 2025 unfolds, fans can expect more exciting football and emerging talent from the corporate and development sectors.